Vinicius Cantuaria
Cymbals
Koch Records
By George W. Harris

Well, it’s about time! It’s been over two years since Brazilian guitarist/composer/singer Vinicius Cantuaria has put out anything. Take heart, this beauty was worth waiting for. This new release finds Cantuaria in the spare small group setting that is just delectably right for his intimate music. Joined by kindred spirits like Brad Mehldau, Marc Ribot (who’s alarmingly subdued) and Michael Leonhart, Cantuaria brings his unique guitar approach to bossa nova, and makes the music achingly intimate. His subdued and caressing voice envelops the fado/bluesy chords of “Prantos” and “Galope” until it literally takes over your viscera by osmosis. On his “Voce E Eu”, cellist Erik Friedlander mingles with pianist Mehldau to create this delicate and fragile musical atmosphere that Cantuaria is able to tip toe around, as if he were walking out of his daughter’s bedroom after putting her to sleep. Subdued, understated, but having much to say; this is one of bossa nova’s greatest emissaries. He was at the Bakery over a year ago-make SURE you see him next time in town.